Tampa’s Gasparilla Michelob Ultra Challenge

FEBRUARY 21 – 22, 2026

🍻 2026 Michelob Ultra Challenge

4 Races. 2 Days. 30+ Miles. 1 Epic Weekend.

If you’re up for the ultimate endurance test, don’t miss the 2026 Michelob Ultra Challenge – one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend!

🗓️ Race Weekend Schedule:

• Saturday, February 21, 2026:
  🏃 15K + 5K

• Sunday, February 22, 2026:
  🏃 Half Marathon + 8K

Total Distance: 30+ miles over two days!

🎁 Challenge Participant Premiums

All registered Michelob Ultra Challenge participants will receive:

🏅 All Standard Individual Race Premiums:

• 15K Performance Race Shirt + Finisher’s Medal + Finisher’s Towel + Virtual Finisher’s Certificate

• 5K Performance Race Shirt + Finisher’s Medal + Finisher’s Towel + Virtual Finisher’s Certificate

• Half Marathon Race Shirt + Finisher’s Medal + Finisher’s Towel + Virtual Finisher’s Certificate

• 8K Race Shirt + Finisher’s Medal + Finisher’s Towel + Virtual Finisher’s Certificate

• 2026 PGDC Virtual Race Goody Bag

• PGDC Branded Rooms To Go Reusable Shopping Bag

➕ Exclusive Michelob Ultra Challenge Swag:

• 🧥 Michelob Ultra Challenge Long Sleeve Hoodie

• 🥇 Michelob Ultra Challenge Finisher’s Medal (It’s HUGE!)

• 🧼 2026 Finisher’s Towels for all 4 races

•        Final Voyage Publix Running Hat
  (This is the last year for this item — new item coming in 2027!)

• 📜 Michelob Ultra Challenge Finisher’s Certificate

🚶‍♀️ Michelob Ultra Challenge Walkers – You’re Welcome!

Walkers are encouraged to join the challenge! However, due to road closure permits, a pace of 16 minutes per mile must be maintained in all four events:

• 15K

• 5K

• Half Marathon

• 8K

👉 For additional details, please visit each race’s Runner Info page for specific walker guidelines

🚀 Challenge Seeded Start Access

Seeded Start Access for the 2026 Michelob Ultra Challenge, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold, Michelob Ultra Infusions, and Michelob Ultra Zero Challenges is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

🏁 What is a Seeded Start?

A Seeded Start allows qualified runners to begin the race in a designated front-start corral for optimal pacing and a smoother start experience.

📌 Eligibility Requirements

• Seeded Start Access for Challenge participants is based on performance standards for 15K, Half Marathon, or 10K only.

• You must upload a qualifying official past race result during online registration to be considered.

• Seeded numbers are only available to those requesting access during registration.

📤 Proof of Time Submission:

• Must include official race name, date, distance, and finish time

• Race must have been completed within the past 2 years.

⚠️ Please Note:

• Access is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability.

• No seeded changes will be made after registration is completed.

• Requests received after the registration deadline or missing proof of time will not be accepted

Finish Time Requirements for Seeded Women’s Entry:
Half Marathon – 1:45:00 or less
15K – 1:15:00 or less
10K – 50-minutes or less

Michelob Ultra Challenge Entry Fees

The prices below do not include a service fee charged by our registration partner.

Refunds and/or transfers of registration are not allowed in the Michelob Ultra Challenge.

📝 2026 Michelob Ultra Challenge – Registration & Confirmation Details

✅ Online Registration

Participants who register online and provide a valid email address will receive:

• A Race Week Registration Confirmation Email on or before Monday, February 16, 2026

• This is in addition to the confirmation email from Race Roster after completing your online registration

• Your confirmation will include:

  • Race Number

  • Name

  • Address

  • Race Entered

  • Age

⚠️ Important: If you have unsubscribed from the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic E-Blast Database, you will not receive your confirmation email.
To ensure you do, please rejoin the E-Blast Database

✉️ Mail-In Registration (Offline)

You may register by mail between March 17, 2025 – January 9, 2026:

Download and complete the 2026 PGDC By-Mail Form-Fillable Registration Form

Print and sign the form

Include your entry fee + $5 Processing Fee
(Entries without the extra $5 will be returned)

Mail completed form and payment to:
GDCA
P.O. Box 1881
Tampa, FL 33601-1881

📬 Mail-in entries must be postmarked by Friday, January 9, 2026.
Late entries will be processed on Race Weekend only if space is available and will be charged Late Fees.

🚫 Late Registration & Challenge Capacity

• Online Late Registration for the Michelob Ultra Challenge closes Sunday, February 15, 2026, or earlier if the Challenge sells out

• NO Race Weekend Registration will be available for any of the 2026 Challenges

⏱️ Timing Requirement for Challenge Participants

Participants in the 2026 Michelob Ultra Challenge must:

• Complete the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon in under 3 hours

• Arrive at the 8K Start Line before 9:15 a.m.

The Publix Gasparilla 8K begins with rolling Wave Starts starting promptly at 9:15 a.m.
The final wave will start around 9:40 a.m., after which the Start Line will close and timing mats will be removed

No one will be allowed to start after this time.

📦 2026 PGDC Michelob Ultra Challenge – Race Packet, T-Shirt & Race Number Pick-Up

Race Packet Pick-Up for the 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Michelob Ultra Challenge will take place during the:

🏢 Tampa Bay 28 Health & Fitness Expo

Presented by TampaWell
📍 Tampa Convention Center – East Hall

🗓️ Expo Dates & Times:

• Friday, February 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Saturday, February 21, 2026 | Beginning at 6:00 a.m.

❗ Important Pick-Up Policy:

If you are unable to attend the Expo to pick up your Race Number in person:

1. You MUST complete and sign a Race Number Pick-Up Authorization Form.
2. The person picking up your Race Packet must present this form at the Expo.

📄 Race Number Pick-up Authorization Form

Finish Line Engravers

Celebrate your accomplishment in style!
Commemorate your perseverance and pride by personalizing your 2026 PGDC Finisher Medal (including multiple events and Challenges) with your name and official net finish time.

After you cross the finish line, visit the Finish Line Engravers Booth located in the Runner Revive Area on the Platt Street Bridge. Their team will engrave your medal on the spot, turning your hard-earned achievement into a lasting keepsake.

When purchasing, please specify the bib number(s) you’d like engraved.

How to Order

• Before race day: Add the 2026 PGDC Finish Line Engraving to your online registration.

• Already registered? Use the link below to order your engraving now!

👉 Order Your 2026 PGDC Finish Line Engraving

FinisherPix, the Official Photographers of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, allows you to order your photos now & save!”

You can receive the FinisherPix Photo Pack in Digital Format for a small fee. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format.) A link to download all images will automatically be emailed when photos are available online.

Presale Pricing

15K                                                                        $19.99
5K                                                                          $14.99
Half Marathon                                                   $29.99
8K                                                                          $14.99
Michelob Ultra Challenge                               $69.99
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge           $44.99
Michelob Ultra Infusions Challenge            $29.99
Michelob Ultra Zero Challenge                     $29.99

To purchase the 2026 PGDC FinisherPix, register online. If you have registered, please use the link below to order your 2026 PGDC FinisherPix.

PGDC FinisherPix

💆‍♂️ Pre- & Post-Race Massage Services

Get ready to recover like a pro! The Gasparilla Massage Team will be onsite offering Post-Race Massage Services following the:

• Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K (Saturday)

• Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon & 8K (Sunday)

🗓️ Massage Availability

Dates:

• Saturday & Sunday, after your race

Services & Rates:

• 15-Minute Massage: $21

• 20-Minute Massage: $28

💡 Save by booking early! These rates apply only to prepaid massages made through online registration.
Race Day pricing will be slightly higher.

🧾 How to Purchase

• Not registered yet? Register now and add your message during sign-up.

• Already registered? Click here to purchase your Post-Race Massage separately.

Make the most of your race weekend—relax, recover, and reward yourself!

🎖️ 2026 PGDC Supporter Medals

Throughout the 2026 PGDC Race Weekend, thousands of runners and walkers will take on the challenge—stepping up to their Start Lines and heading down Bayshore Boulevard toward their Finish Lines. Every mile completed is the result of countless hours of training, dedication, and support.

But behind every runner is a team—family, friends, and loved ones who supported their journey. Whether it was helping with meals, laundry, hydration, snacks, or offering words of encouragement, they were there every step of the way.

Now it’s your turn to say thank you.

💙 A Medal for Your Biggest Fans

The 2026 PGDC Supporter Medals are your way to honor the people who helped get you to the finish line. After you receive your finisher’s medal, walk up to your supporter, present them with their own medal, and say:

“Because of you, I crossed the finish line… thank you!”

Let them feel the joy and pride of being part of your PGDC experience.

🏅 About the Supporter Medals

• Design: Replicas of the official 2026 PGDC 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and 8K Finisher’s Medals

• Finish: Acrylic (to distinguish from race finisher medals)

• Includes: The same vibrant, event-themed ribbon

📦 How to Get Yours

• Haven’t registered yet? Register now and add a Supporter Medal to your order.

• Already registered? Click here to order your Supporter Medal separately.